Active patients may benefit from surgical repair of the achilles tendon with the aim of preserving functional length and optimising push-off power. A mini-open device assisted technique has the potential to reduce wound complications, but risks nerve injury. We present the largest published series of midsubstance achilles tendon repairs using the Achillon® device. A prospective cohort study was run at the Princess Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital between 2008 and 2015. We included all patients who presented with a midsubstance Achilles tendon rupture within 2 weeks of injury, and device assisted mini-open repair was offered to a young active adult population. All patients in the conservative and surgical treatment pathway had the same functional rehabilitation protocol with a plaster for 2 weeks, and a VACOped boot in reducing equinus for a further 8 weeks.Introduction
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